The Jasper men’s lacrosse team huddled up.
SYRACUSE ATHLETICS/COURTESY
Amy Forster, Asst. Production Editor
Often overlooked, Manhattan University’s walk-on athletes can be the backbone to the athletics program. These athletes provide invaluable commitment, talent and input to the sports community and the university as a whole.
Manhattan University has a long and storied history with walk-on athletes. Just two years ago, MU alumnus walk-on athlete, Joe Jacques, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox. Many walk-on athletes share this same commitment and drive that allows them to thrive.
Men’s lacrosse had one of their freshmen walk on this season. Sean Mannion joined the team during the fall semester of this academic year. He spoke on the process that allowed him to earn a spot on the team.
“I didn’t reach out to coaches before I committed to come to the school,” Mannion said. “I reached out over the summer to see if there was any opportunity to tryout and thankfully there was.”
With being a new member entering a locker room, it can be intimidating for any one of any level. Mannion spoke highly of his experience, detailing his admiration for his teammates and coaching staff with how smoothly they accepted him on the team.
“Even ahead of trying out, everyone was super welcoming,” Mannion said. “It never felt like I was any different from the guys who were recruited to come here. I love it.”
Mia Porritt began her Division I swimming career having never swam competitively, instead driven by compassion to save a friend’s swim season. Porritt described the interaction she had with friend and senior co-captain of the swim team, Grace Dillon, that led her to join the team.
“I was asking her [Dillon], about the swim team because I knew she was on it,” Porritt said. “She told me that unfortunately, they did not have enough people to be considered a Division I team and could not compete at the MAAC championships this year. So I made the joke, and said ‘Oh my god I should totally join and Grace said, ‘Yeah you should.’ Then I asked for the coach’s number. The Quadrangle talked to the coach Brian Hansbury, and I told him I don’t have any prior experience swimming. The only experience I had was on vacation with my parents on a boogie board. He then told me, ‘That’s okay you just have to swim two laps.’ So I got on the team.”
The swim team at Manhattan University has struggled due to a lack of their own private pool. Porritt detailed how the team relies on a variety of pools in the area for facilities.
“We swim at Horace Mann, and then on the weekends we swim at Riverdale Country Day School,” Porritt said. “That is also definitely an adjustment walking there at 5:45 am every morning and then at night time.”
Walk-ons can be the key building blocks to the athletics program at the university. John Gallagher, head coach of men’s basketball, outlined the importance of walk-on athletes, detailing their grit, determination and drive.
“Walk-ons have become the fabric of college basketball and college sports,” Gallagher said. “Their spirit, selflessness and dedication will never go unnoticed. Here at Manhattan, they are beloved for all the qualities you want in a Jasper.”